Corn gluten meal is a by-product of the corn milling process, and can be used as a pre-emergent herbicide to control crabgrass and other lawn weeds. It has a high nitrogen content and is naturally organic, releasing nitrogen as it decomposes over a 3-4 month period.
As a pre-emergent herbicide, corn gluten meal inhibits seed germination by drying out a seed as soon as it begins to sprout. This makes it ideal for controlling weeds in lawns, gardens and even flowerbeds.
Whether you want to control weeds in your lawn or garden, corn gluten meal is an effective, non-toxic herbicide that can be applied anytime of the year to reduce or eliminate the presence of weeds. It is a great alternative to chemical-based weed control products, and can also be an excellent soil builder.
When looking for corn gluten meal, you must be sure that it contains 60% protein. A lower protein variant is not as effective, so be sure to purchase the correct product for your lawn or garden needs.
Corn gluten meal can be applied to your lawn in early spring before weed seeds germinate, but you need to be sure that it is thickly applied and spread using a professional spreader. It should be applied at a rate of 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet.